Students travel throughout the year, whether it's going home for Thanksgiving, taking a spring break trip with friends, or traveling to another state for a summer internship. Buying flight tickets for every trip can get expensive, especially when United Airlines prices increase during the holidays. This is why many students look for United Student Discount to save money on their flights.
In this guide, the Travelobliss team explains what the offer is, who can use it, and how to claim it. We also share a few simple ways to save more on your next United flight.
What is the United Airlines Student Discount?
Officially, United Airlines Student Discount Policy called the Young Adult Discount. If you’re between 18 and 23 and have a MileagePlus account, which is free to join, United takes 5% off eligible fares. On a $250 round trip from Chicago to Newark, that comes to about $12.50. It’s not huge, but it adds up over a school year.
There’s one catch that trips people up sometimes. The discount only works in the United mobile app. Yes, you need to search for the same flight on united.com and you’ll see the full price.
Things you get for United Student Discount:
5% discount off eligible fares
Only travelers aged 18 to 23 can get it on the day they book
You will require free MileagePlus account with your date of birth saved
You can only access it through United Airlines app only
The discount only covers United Economy and Basic Economy
Who Can Use United Airlines College Student Discount?
You do not always need to be in college at all to avail the United Airlines College Student Discount. United never asks where you study, or whether you study. As long as you are under the age criteria and have a student ID available, you can get a discounted air ticket.
However, the flip side is a little unfair to older students. In case, you are 25 and halfway through a master’s degree. You might have a student ID, a campus email and a pile of tuition bills, but none of that helps here. On your 24th birthday, the discount simply stops showing up in the app.
Do United Airlines Offer Student Discount?
It is not available right there on the website, like other special offers. You won’t find a “student fare” button anywhere on United. Also, there will be no agent asking to see your enrollment letter at the gate either. However, the airline sure has the Young Adult Discount instead. Yes, but that too only depends on your birth date alone.
This usually works well for most students. Most of the undergraduates start college at 18 and graduate around 22, so they fall within United Airlines Student Discount Policy’s 18-23 age range. This means most students can use the discount during their college years without needing to complete extra paperwork.
Student Discount and Young Adult Discount
A regular student discount usually requires proof of college or university enrollment.
United checks your age through the date of birth saved in your MileagePlus account.
This means not every student is eligible. Your date of birth, rather than your student status, decides whether you can use the offer.
United Airlines Student Discount Policy
Like most airline discounts, this offer comes with a few rules. They are easy to understand, but some may surprise you, especially the rule about booking tickets for friends. So, take a moment to check the details before you click “Purchase.”
Where the Discount Applies
United and United Express flights within the U.S.
Select international flights that leave from the U.S.
United Economy and Basic Economy fares only
Rules to Keep in Mind
One traveler, one booking. The discount covers only you, so you can’t book a ticket for a friend or a sibling with it. Each person needs their own MileagePlus account and their own booking.
Turn it on before you pay. Forgot to select the Young Adult option? United won’t add the 5% to a ticket you’ve already bought.
No stacking. It won’t combine with other promo codes, and it doesn’t work on award tickets booked with miles.
Base fare only. Taxes, airport fees and bag charges stay the same. On a $300 ticket, the actual savings may be closer to $12 than $15, depending on how much of the price is taxes and fees.
Your birth date has to match. The date in your MileagePlus profile must match your passport or driver’s license, and United may ask for proof of age.
Basic Economy is still Basic Economy. You still get a seat assigned at check-in and very limited change options, discount or not.
United may update or withdraw the offer at any time. Check the latest terms in the app before making your payment.
Is There a United Airlines Student Discount Code?
There is no United Airlines student discount code. You do not need one. Choose the Young Adult Discount option in the United app, and the 5% comes off automatically at checkout.
Watch Out for Fake Codes
Some websites claim to have special student codes or promise up to 35% off. Keep a few things in mind:
United does not issue a promo code for this discount.
A site selling a “student code” is not connected to United.
The real discount is 5%, and it only works in the United app.
Look for Limited-Time Sales
United sometimes runs extra sales for travelers aged 18 to 23. In one past offer, young adults got 15% off the base fare on selected flights to Europe and India. Deals like this tend to:
Run for only a few weeks
Cover certain routes only
Come with set booking and travel dates
Check the deals section of the United app every so often so you do not miss the next one.
United Airlines College Student Discount
United does not have a separate discount just for college students. Those who are between 18 and 23 can use the same Young Adult Discount, regardless of whether they attend college or work. If you're a student outside this age range, you won't qualify for the offer, but there are still other ways to save on United flights.
How to Get Student Discount on United Airlines
You can apply the discount in just a few simple steps. Here's how to do it.
Steps to Follow:
Download the United app. It is free on iPhone and Android.
Sign in or join MileagePlus. Creating an account costs nothing.
Add your date of birth. Make sure it matches your passport or ID.
Go to book a flight. Turn on the Young Adult Discount option before you search.
Choose your flight. Pick an Economy or Basic Economy fare on an eligible route.
Check out. The 5% discount is applied on its own.
Watch your inbox. Your ticket and trip details will come by email.
What If the Discount Does Not Show Up?
Make sure you are using the app and not the website.
Check that you are signed in to MileagePlus.
Confirm your birth date is saved in your profile.
See if your route and fare type are on the eligible list.
United Airlines Customer Care No
If the discount isn’t showing up, or you have a question about a booking you already made, United’s own team is the right place to go. Have your MileagePlus number ready before you call. It saves a few minutes on hold.
United customer service: 1-800-864-8331 (1-800-UNITED-1), open 24 hours a day
MileagePlus Service Center: 1-800-421-4655, for account or birth date problems
Online help: Live chat in the United app or on united.com
Just to be clear, Travelobliss is an independent travel agency and is not part of United Airlines. Our team can help if you want someone to compare fares across airlines or plan a trip around your school calendar. Call us at +1-877-818-1912 or email admin@travelobliss.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does United Airlines check student ID?
No. United checks your age, not your student status. It uses the birth date in your MileagePlus account and may ask for proof of age.
Can I get the discount on the United website?
No. The Young Adult Discount is only available in the United app.
How much can I save?
You save 5% on the fare. On a $200 fare, that is about $10. The savings grow on longer trips and during special sales.
Can I use the discount to book for a friend?
No. Each traveler must use their own MileagePlus account and book their own ticket.
Does the discount work on international flights?
Yes, on select international flights that depart from the U.S. Check the app to see if your route is included.
